Can I suggest the following interim measure that would make life very interesting indeed...
World portals
These are created by an operator or user depending on server restrictions in place. They must exist at both ends. The destination server must have a matching world portal which points back to the original server as this is the way home.
To create a portal the operator must provide appropriate materials, and at the point of creation, an IP address/port and and optional password for another minecraft server.
The use the portal the player steps into the portal like they do now, their client picks up the address information then queries the new server.
The destination server checks its within user limits, the IP address is permitted, a corresponding world portal exists then replies with an "ok to proceed".
The client then connects to the new server using the normal client connection method with worldportal connection flag.
The server, based on the password provided, determines the permission set to apply to that user. If no password is provided then they have viewing rights only. Their conneciton is announced to the world.
Portal usage does not require permission, any player can use a portal their traverse to another world. Servers have player limits and the initial client query will determine if a client can traverse the portal.
You have to setup a world portal to be "connected" to another minecraft server and they have to do the same to you. If additonal security is required then worldportal keys could be implemented which is effectively a preshared key.
World portals
These are created by an operator or user depending on server restrictions in place. They must exist at both ends. The destination server must have a matching world portal which points back to the original server as this is the way home.
To create a portal the operator must provide appropriate materials, and at the point of creation, an IP address/port and and optional password for another minecraft server.
The use the portal the player steps into the portal like they do now, their client picks up the address information then queries the new server.
The destination server checks its within user limits, the IP address is permitted, a corresponding world portal exists then replies with an "ok to proceed".
The client then connects to the new server using the normal client connection method with worldportal connection flag.
The server, based on the password provided, determines the permission set to apply to that user. If no password is provided then they have viewing rights only. Their conneciton is announced to the world.
Portal usage does not require permission, any player can use a portal their traverse to another world. Servers have player limits and the initial client query will determine if a client can traverse the portal.
You have to setup a world portal to be "connected" to another minecraft server and they have to do the same to you. If additonal security is required then worldportal keys could be implemented which is effectively a preshared key.
Kind Regards
Zerlargal
Why does everyone think I don't have an avatar? Is there anyone who can see the one black pixel.